Wednesday, May 23, 2018

This is the first time I am doing an advertorial because I believe it is a reasonably good deal. For those who drive, vouchinsurance get you cash back on your premium if you dun claim. One could get up to 15% cashback on your insurance premium paid at the end of the policy year. I, for one, has not made a claim for the past 10 years, except for a windscreen change due to a flying pebble, and I hit my maximum 50% NCD for the last 6 years. I would think the savings would be rather meaningful had I come to know of this deal earlier. Also, Car insurance is compulsory, if it is a fixed cost as long as you drive, why not go for some savings?

So, how do we actually get 15%? (Details https://www.vouchinsurance.sg/how-it-works)

In a nutshell, the 3 insurance companies on Vouchinsurance platform will set aside 15% of your premium once you signed up and will place you in a pool of fellow drivers under this scheme. If no one makes a claim, you get 15%, if someone makes a claim, you get lesser. You can form your own community of drivers pool.

I checked with Yu Jun, Co-Founder and CEO of Vouch InsureTech, about the probability of 15% rebate, and this is his reply:

"There is a pretty good chance of getting the cashback because we do seem to be attracting the safe drivers even in our early days since our Feb launch. For our ~50 customers, the median NCD is 50%, and so far no accidents reported."

My existing car insurance premium is $979 from SOMPO, which is also one of the three insurers with Vouch Insurance. I tried to get an online quotation and was granted one from NTUC rather in a hassle-free manner, and the quotation I got from NTUC is $992, so the quotation was rather competitive. The 15% cashback would amount to close to $150, which, if used to offset my next premium, would mean I heard the lowest possible quotation. By the way, you get back cash aka cheque, not an offset of the next insurance premium. Yes, I don't like lock-up, I am not stupid, so I genuinely feel the deal is a sincere one, albeit depending on luck (Those in your driver pool no having accident claims).

If you refer to my promotion code you will get $25 discount, to be redeemed as cash after 60 days of policy is in forced. You can also refer your friends after you set up your own account. The referral process is really simple, there is a “share on facebook” and then paste your referral link.

1) Shift your department teachers' mindset away from teaching to the test and examination. Deep learning or meta-cognitive learning have higher retention rate, it should not affect the results adversely too much. How many teachers have you convinced with your words, deeds and values? Or have you yourself thrown in the towel?

6m) I have not throw in the towel, although at times, I do struggle about drilling for more marks or teaching pupils how to learn. I think I did well with my low progress kids. This is the first time in my teaching career I receive unsolicited notes of thanks at the end of year and not teacher's day.

How many teachers? Hmm, maybe 1? But if I struggle, I think she is lost.

Now) thrown in the towel. Even for myself. Some of things I do like choice of writing etc still applied, but deep learning or metacognitive skills, not in my honest memory.

2) With the focus away from examinations and KPIs, you hope to see education as pupils actively pursuing knowledge and in whatever capacity, applying that knowledge. You have said that the following words stick in your head, let me remind you in case you forgotten. "The world economy no longer pays you for what you knows; Google knows everything...The world economy pays you for what you do with what you know." With the zero-sum pursuit of mindless competition of who produces more A pupils a National Trend, have you hold steadfast to your belief? Do you remember going to your MLS friend's school to teach for a trial lesson? They wear different uniforms from your pupils. With the bell curve effect, they doing well in PSLE mean the bell curve work against your own pupils. (Don't give me the shit that the new PSLE is standard referenced. It is just a static preset bell curve.) But you love them nonetheless, you think they are cute. You felt proud that Singapore provide good and decent education to pupils in the neighborhood. You suddenly felt that it is really meaningless and perhaps shallow to be upset about being "below National Average". Why should I be happy? The "national average" does not fluctuate that greatly, why should I derives so much happiness or sadness in beating fellow Singapore's Children?

6) Surprising, I remembered that lesson and still talk about it. I have move even further away from ranking, and caught myself competing with my colleagues in terms of results produced. I decided to mindfully remind myself not to do it. They can do better than me, I should be happy and thankful of a strong team.

Now) well, I.am honestly very affected by pupils' grade. But I do not see them as numbers. I have a few pupil very embrassed that they didn't do very well for the exam. I am now sure what happen on that actual day, but they sure did much worse than usual. When I go through the components, I told one of them who no longer looks me in the eyes after the results if she is feeling pie say. She said yes and felt she has disappointed everyone. I told her I am not just a teacher for pupils of good results but a teacher for my pupils. Its OK, no need to pie say.

One thing positive in the midst of being caught up in the pursuit of results, is I still believe everyone can learn, but I no longer believe everyone can pass. Didn't give up on the weakest of my pupil even though there are many calls to put him in Foundation stream, maybe I am too naive.

3) You wanted to prepare the pupils not just for the examinations, but also the future. You believe that joy in learning, is perhaps one of the ingredient for effective learning, and that pupils must be self-regulated learners. You realize that preparing pupils for examinations and the future in that sense, need not really be a zero-sum game, as the two are not mutually exclusive.

6)I did taught them how to be self-regulated learners. I do think pupils pick up some skills from me, but I think I am far from igniting joy in learning. I have however, think deeper about "joy" in learning. Joy, beside fun, is about self-discovery. I am going to move further in that direction.

Now) joy is also about seNSE of achievement. Sadly, I could not give it to most of my pupils. As for self_discovery, if it is about self-motivation to learn, I think I do have a few very motivated pupils whose attitude have improved from last year. But I suspected is the fact that PSLE is closing on them rather than any factors attributed to my teaching. A side note, the pupil that cried in my Chinese class for failing Maths last year, cried for Chinese even though she improved. As a cheapo teacher, I ask if she will cry again in her coming maths Periods. She laughed, wipe her tears and said her Math teacher won't ask. She reminded me of the dilligent girl I had in 2016, who work very hard and got an A but went to NT stream. Could see her working very hard aa compared to last year, wondered if the reverse would happen this year, that she did very well for other subjects but still fail Chinese. But from no talking at all to me, last year, to always asking questions and helping me.arranging my books, I think I can sense she appreciate my efforts as compared to a year ago. Although she still did not say much.

Self-dicovery, if its about confidence, I might have planted it in a few pupils because they find reading less taunting and the RESULTS reaffirmed their progress.

4) Joy of learning is not about having fun doing activities, it is about making sure every pupils can progress and achieve. You seek to do this with Differentiation Instructions (DI). You have in the past, pursuit only the form and not the substance of DI. You have a better understanding of the whole DI approach by Tomlinson , you understand what it means and possibly how to differentiate the process/ content or product according to pupils readiness or if possible, also take into considerations pupils' interest and profile. You are no expert in this, but with Formative Assessment (FA) and DI in your mind when you did the 2 trial lessons in 2 different schools the last 2 days (6-7th April ), you genuinely felt different. I think I will cut you some slack for not able to prepare lessons as thoroughly as when you are on course. But, did you stop observing pupils' readiness? Have you stop asking yourself how to present your information more clearly and preparing for multiple content sources and process to cater for pupils who cannot follow your intended lesson? If you have been doing this at least once a week, I think you are already doing well. You also want to present your true self to your pupils, you realize you are generally a fun-loving person, so the humor in class should let pupils feel more at ease. But have you become so tired or pressured about the academic performance of your pupils that you have start reverting to becoming a team commander of soldiers in a war zone?

6)I did this with flying colors. I am like an ah beng in class, so much so that my pupil kept laughing at my antics to her mum. Lucky she is amused and not offended. However, i did get very firm with my pupils and not everyone appreciate my "true" self. I can see some are shocked more than entertained, and others most probably think I am very "boliao"

I change my way of presentation of information at least 3 times, I didn't track that it work for everyone, it stopped when it worked for some, and I didn't prepare multiple and customized notes for everyone, although I did try to track their proficiency in reading comprehension for my high progress pupils and I think they did improve

Now) well, I continue to give personalised feedbacks to my pupils, although I am Not sure how sustainable it is. Just before the oral exam, I gave my HP no. To all my pupils, and ask them to send me recordings of their readings and oral conversation. I am able to pinpoint their weaknesses specifically and I know I did turn a few pupils around and at the same time also improved on the clarity of feedback to pupils. But I ended up listening to my pupILS work all night (till 12pm), and I think its a contributing factor to my burnt out. The joke is only about 60 percent of pupils did more than 50percent of the practice. If it is 80 percent doing 80 percent of the practice, I think I either don't have to sleep or give standardize feedback that is useless.

If u ask me if I know my pupils weaknesses, I think I can say yes resoundingly, and I know of different ways to possibly plug the gaps too, because others have been through that. The problem is time and fatigue.

5) Self-regulated learners are learners acutely aware of their own learning. During MLS, you have been reading a lot about how the brain works, about metacognitive strategies, and the easy essence of it are having1) Compare and Contrast2) Classification3) Meaningful Transfer4) Self-Monitoring5) Mindful selection process6) Gap filling either individual or in group

1) Done, through error detection exercises, not effective

Now) nope

2) Classification of difficult words, if it is considered as classification, yes

Now) Not gap filling, but specific learning objectives that show their writing progress 8n terms of content. But sadly, such progress dun get translated to marks unless there is the next big jump. Some are close to inflexion point.

You have worked hard to try to figure out how everything can be applied from reading comprehension stage to speaking and writing. Did you continue to use these? Have you extend the activities and strategies? How many teachers beside your soulmate/ friend in your department have you gotten excited about all these teaching methods. I can't write the teachers' names here, but MS, SC, JAN, NF, YZ and SY are potential champions you have considered, are they really champions now? Have you not even started? Did you keep their interest burning, did you make them turn around and help you keep your own passion alive?

Project done, but interest? I do think they see value in the project we are doing, but I hardly think they are excited, because the schedule is too punishing, and their work too hectic. I am just glad I am still alive

Now) Hmm.. maybe I gotten a few excited about the memory technqiues by Brian. Those teaching the low progress pupils.

I have also made annotation a visible learning strategy and although there are variations, some have applied it and I have also learn a thing or two from my colleagues.

6) You want to streamline working processes such that you can reduce at least 5% of teachers' workload. You had wanted more flexibility in weekly PDT, you wanted technology to help in discussion and some marking. You wanted to scale down some programmes. You understand a burnt-out teachers cannot really inspire pupils. This is one area that you felt is toughest to do, if you have actually found a path, you do yourself proud. One area you are looking at is purposeful reflections, as diagnostic data collection means and stimulus for discussion. Have you done anything about it. How did it fare?

Done, but felt it is a paper exercise. flexibility is given to teachers, but many are still burnt and tired. I have not read all their reflections, so maybe this part need to KIV

Now) same

7) You have wanted a more systematic approach to integration of various learning objectives across levels with strong build-up of differentiated resources. One key success factor shared selflessly by your HOD friend about active selection of topic to drill in the final year is not a short cut, but a meticulous and calculated move(3 years prior to ensure maximum exposure and repetition), much like company prospecting in investing. Have you embarked on this journey?

Kind of tried to do it for reading comprehension, did not turn out the way I envisioned, but there is some data and information to use

Now) no progress since 6 months

8) You have wanted the professional learning project to be of more rigor. You have bought books for teachers to engage in literature review, and the use of lesson study lesson plan template for discussion and planning. You wanted more informed and well-planned initiatives. How has those plans work out for you?

Na...

Now) hmm... there is more reading as compare to the past, but I realise just put the right people in, and just tell them the direction, and thinGS will happen. People are better than books. Books can help me give the right direction and be mindful of people strength. I am glad the strong parents volunteers have returned to help.

9) You wanted to continue with the NIE library membership and spend at least 2 days in a year visiting the NIE to borrow some books to read.

Intend to

Now)Sigh... I just want to rest

10) Finally, something less tangible. You said "Human First, then teacher, then a HOD to bring everyone along" How does this sound to you now?

Seem like I didn't do too badly, but what have I done for my department...

LOL... I live by the day, perhaps its beyond my capacity.

I do enjoy my lessons and teaching better, like my pupils, even if the feelings are not mutual.

2018, lets hope the letter do not get lost or worse, forgotten

Now) tired, to the extend of having planned a pokemon catching outdoor lesson does not excite me. I just went into a classroom and delivered the lesson surgically.

Tired, that when my colleague told me a parent from her class praise me that I am.the contributing factor that her son love Chinese now, I just said "OK, thanks, during PTM she did thank me too" when the usual shameless me will be jumping up and down in joy.

Tired, that having delivered that last item of organizing a competition for foundation pupils does not stir me. I wanted foundation pupils to have a chance to shine and compete, but most of time as I plough on in the planning, I keep asking myself why I so "extra". I saw my MLS friend who came with her pupils. She reassured me that it is something meaningful I am doing. I told her that is the last item in my "bucket list" from my course with her as I knew the operational daily activities will bored me down and I need to focus and do what I set out to do. I wasn't really joking when I smiled and say "now I am ready to die" I am ready to let dreams die now.

I still feel for the kids, they get me off my bed every morning when I think of getting medical leave for the day.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Q: Why is that u have such a high concentraded bet, I mean investment on silverlake axis? Given that u always proclaim to take a conservative stance when investing?

S: yes, we are still accumulating. To put it most simply, we expect core earnings to grow in double digit over the next few quarters. We find it difficult to find a company with a good yield and also growth prospects.

Q: why the confidence in growth?

S: Silverlake has been winning several contracts over the last 12 months. The most recent one being the biggest core SIBS platform with a whole suite of services. It is not a upgrade but a new customer. The earlier contract wins should begin to show its contribution in the upcoming quarter. In fact, the last quarter already show a improvement in core earnings but price continue to went south instead.

The acquistions of GOH private entities would then lift Q4 earnings and its insuretech segment is also making headways. In short, I believe it will fire in all cylinders soon and market will rerate it.

Q: whatever u are saying, the market knows, its all old news. Why the underperformance of the counter then?

S: well, there could be unknowns unknowns. But let me haphazard a guess. The acquisition of Goh private entites couLD lead to dilution of shares rather massively. It is not exactly a straight forward deal, and with razor short selling report still in people mind, people just avoid the company with a 10 foot pole.

Q: why wouldn't u then?

S: Let me try to explain. Silver lake give generous dividends, because of the profits from.sale of GIT. Is GOH shareholder friendly or at least fair, I think he is, and why not since he owned 65% of silver lake, he would want to also take his fair share of gain. Even discounting the special dividends, we believe 6% dividend is possible and sustainable.

Of course, corporate governance is important. But look at the recent deal, he didn't took cash out of the company. He took more shares of silverlake axis.

The company didn't even dilute the existing shareholders holdings by issuing new shares. Instead it transfer treasury shares to Goh. You might want to say that company cash in doing shares buyback is also money, but what Goh effectively done is injecting his Private entities in exchange of more shares using company money. That doesn't at all smell like he is exiting in anyway.

Given his cost of shares buyback of silverlake is less than the 71cents that he offer to sell.his priavte entities, the PE of the collective 3 entities is about 7. PE 7 for a deal, seems like a good and reasonable deal to.me.

Of course, profit might fall, and he could be doing a HPHT, exiting at a high, but given his track records, I doubt that is the case. He got more of the company, unlike HPHT case with Li.

Also, company is still buying back it's shares. But there is a blackout period leading to release of quarter results. I believe the buying will continue after the results is released. In fact, I felt that if I am Goh, I might want to take it private and either go list back at Malaysia or Hong Kong to command better valuation.

Q: That all sound very convincing, but shareholders are worried, and what if u get it wrong.

S: Even if we manage to accumulate all that we wanted, it would still be less than 15% of portfolio. It is currently less than 10%. Also we have stop loss mechanism in place if we get our earning prediction wrong.

Q: Any other notes for potential investors

S: It is important to.note that when licensing and special projects fulfilment increase, it's maintaince rev will.somewhat drop, but net net, it should still.be growing. Also, some might frown at family members as executive directors, but this is a situation not unique to Asian companies. YZJ has a young CEO at its flagship yard which is Ren Yuanlin's son.

Monday, April 30, 2018

See if u can tell what I want to say about investment through the historical or frictional event about Liu Bang.

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When the Qin Dynasty main forces are engaged by Xiang Yu elsewhere, Liu Bang managed to take HanZhong, the capital of Qin Dynasty. The rebel's puppet Emperor made a pact with all fractions of rebels that whoever conquer HanZhong would be the King of HanZhong.

Liu Bang took the City, but didn't claim the throne of the king. He followed the advice of Zhang Liang and pretended that he sealed the treasury of HanZhong and kept everything intact so that he could pass it to Xiang Yu and let him decide who to be King, and what frief the different rebel warlords should get.

Xiangyu gave him the outlaying area of BaShu, the misunderstood area that is thought to be underdeveloped and useless strategically.

There are plenty of calls for Liu Bang to claim what is rightfully his. But he went on to BaShu with many deserting him because BaShu is really a far and exiled place. Whoever was left are the most loyal to him.

Everwarlords that participated in the rebellion had a whale of time as they get their due rewards. Even surrendered generals of the late Qin Dynasty were given important area to governed and the surrendered commander governed HanZhong.

Everyone thought Liu Bang is finished.

We all knew how it went in the end.

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One of the greatest Commander of Liu Bang is Han Xin. At his low, he even crawl underneath the legs of Xiang Yu.

Not that everyone didn't know of his capabilities. Xiangyu's advisor ask Xiangyu to give him a important post or kill him.

Xiangyu did neither and he deflected to Liu Bang. When Liu Bang needed him to finish off XiangYu, he bargained to be made a king too. Which Liu Bang knew he had no choice but to accept.

When Liu Bang became the Emperor, his top 3 commanders had different fates, Zhang Liang left quietly, Xiao He continue to work wholeheartedly and even pandered to Empress Xiao to survive and he survived well. Han Xin is one that didn't enjoy his good fortunes for too long.